This document provides guidance on writing a top-grade essay about the dramatic moment in The Crucible when Proctor tears up his confession. It includes a sample introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion that analyze this moment through discussion of themes like morality, individual freedom, and social conformity. The introduction presents the question, demonstrates understanding of the play, and establishes an argument. The body paragraph explores specific aspects of the scene. The conclusion ties it back to Proctor embodying human fallibility in contrast to more rigid Puritan residents of Salem.

1. THE CRUCIBLE
Copyright © 2011 TES English
Writing A Top Grade Essay
Explore the ways Miller makes
the moment when Proctor tears up his
confession particularly dramatic.
www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/The-Crucible-Writing-a-Top-Grade-Essay-6086770/ adapted

2. Copyright © 2011 TES English
What Makes A Model Introduction
1.Recognition of the question to show that you
understand the question
2.Evidence that you understand the play as a
whole
3.Create a LINE OF ARGUMENT to show your
opinion in relation to the essay question.

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A MODEL INTRODUCTION

4. Copyright © 2011 TES English
One of the most dramatic moments in The Crucible is when
Proctor tears up his signed confession to witchcraft, and
subsequently, his right to life. Proctor is caught between the
decision to live, a liar under a tainted name, or to die a
martyr, with his honor and a promise of Heaven. The
Crucible is centered on issues of : morality, rebellion, an
individual’s right to freewill, social conformity and
redemption. John is constantly pinpointed as a member of
this society who is unwilling to conform to the rigid way of
life in Salem. His ultimate rebellion is when he tears up his
confession, thus going against the will of the high court, and

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A MODEL MAIN BODY PARAGRAPH:

6. Copyright © 2011 TES English
A MODEL CONCLUSION:
In Act I, Abigail is shown desperately trying to regain John’s
affection. “You loved me John Proctor, and whatever sin it
is, you love me yet!” John’s action, turning away from
Abigail could be a metaphorical way of describing his
turning away from the affair, and the sin connected to it.
This turning away could also be a display of weakness of
heart, almost shielding himself from what he lusts for.
Indeed, the affair itself shows weakness, however, I feel
that it highlights how ‘human’ John is, in contrast to the
more rigid, righteous Puritan residents of Salem. Proctor
embodies human fallibility, a sinner, somebody who have

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A MODEL CONCLUSION:

8. Copyright © 2011 TES English
A MODEL CONCLUSION:
To conclude, in my opinion it is the quest for the Devil
which brings Salem’s residents closer to him. Satan is
eventually recognized as part of them rather than a
separate being. These people are the embodiment of the
phantom they were hunting. Like Satan, who himself was
once angelic, they fall from grace and fall from holiness to
undoubted evil, as Satan did from Heaven to Hell. This is
ironic as in the course of the outward search and those
that they believed to be in league with and corrupted by
Satan they were actually becoming the most corrupt
people in the village. In destroying his confession, Proctor